IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY

Dec 28, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

As the year comes to a close, people must be reminded that speeding and driving under the influence (DUI) are of great concern to all. They are the two most commonly reported causes of accidents and deaths on our roadways.

Over the Christmas period, five people died as a result of traffic accidents. Yet, many continue to drive recklessly without thinking of their own safety and that of others. It does not matter how good a driver is, it is known that alcohol and gasoline are a deadly combination.

Speeding and drunk driving on the roads continue to be a major problem with little or no law enforcement. They should be considered grave offences with serious consequences such as imprisonment, heavy fines and the suspension of a driver’s licence.

Making our roads safe for everyone starts with each of us. It takes only a second to save a life. In March 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in conjunction with the United Nations (UN) established November every year as Road Safety Awareness Month to stabilise and reduce the high level of traffic fatalities worldwide.

According to the WHO, road fatalities are the third leading cause of death in Guyana after cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases. The government must be commended for implementing policies to reduce traffic fatalities and enhance road safety in the country. However, many believe that they are not enough.

Vehicles are tools that do not kill by themselves. How well we use them depends on the discipline of the driver. Nearly 10,000 vehicles are imported every year, and with little or no improvement in the capacity of our roads or pedestrians and cyclist facilities, accidents and deaths are bound to increase.

Our roads are dangerous places, therefore, it is imperative that all road users take every precautionary measure to prevent accidents and save lives. Every action that we take as drivers, bicyclists, passengers and pedestrians can save a life and the life we save might be our own, a relative or a friend.

Drivers and all road users should voluntarily comply with the laws and road ordinances to ensure their safety and the safety of others, especially children. Sadly though, without consistent enforcement of the laws, drivers and other road users will lapse into bad practices. The state must ensure that law enforcement authorities have the manpower, equipment and resources they need to catch and prosecute lawbreakers. The introduction of speed guns and speed bumps on our roads a few years ago has resulted in gains; however, more needs to be done to make our roads safer.

The loss of productivity and earnings, and increased medical costs at the public hospitals because of accidents and deaths has cost the government millions of dollars annually. There are other costs. The cost of repairs, for example, is huge. Since we do not make the motor spares, we have to spend millions of dollars in foreign currency to provide the replacement.

That apart, the spate of road accidents now contributes to the hijacking of vehicles. The car thieves simply take the vehicles to spare parts dealers. No foreign currency is needed.

In the new year, there has to be an end to the senseless traffic fatalities. Input from the public is necessary to reduce all categories of accidents in 2018. And there is need for greater education to instruct drivers and passengers on the dangers of speeding and DUI.

Road safety must be inculcated in all citizens, especially children, and drivers of minibuses, hire cars and taxis must be re-educated and re-certified to enable them to become more responsible.

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